Bald eagle is recovering well after rescue in Lake Tahoe area, sheriff says
A bald eagle is recovering at an Auburn wildlife facility after Placer County deputies helped rescue it near Lake Tahoe, officials said Wednesday.
The animal was taken to Gold Country Wildlife Rescue, where its health is improving and its appetite is strong, the Placer County Sheriff’s Office said in a post on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
Deputies responded to a call on March 9 that the bird was in distress and quickly contacted the county’s animal control team and a wildlife capture specialist, said Elise Soviar, a spokesperson for the Placer County Sheriff’s Office.
The bird, dubbed Patient 26-211, by the rescue agency, was found on the ground and unable to fly in the Sawtooth Recreation Area of the Tahoe National Forest in Placer County, Gold Country Wildlife Rescue said on its website.
The bird is the latest example of a growing involvement by law enforcement in aiding with wildlife and predator management.
Doctors immediately evaluated the eagle to determine why it could not fly, the agency said. It tested negative for two common problems experienced by raptors in California — lead poisoning and avian influenza, the agency said.
A strong “fishy smell” indicated the bird had been hunting and eating well before it became grounded, the rescue agency said.
The eagle continued to show a strong appetite and responded well to medication, including a deworming treatment, the agency said. But blood tests showed elevated levels of two enzymes, known as AST and CK, the website said. High levels of these enzymes can indicate cardiac problems or muscle issues, according to the agency.
The rescue agency did not immediately respond to a request for more information from The Bee.
But in its social media post, the Placer County Sheriff’s Office urged people who see injured wildlife to contact local authorities for assistance.
“We’re grateful for our community and wildlife partners who play a vital role in protecting Placer County’s natural resources,” the department said.
